Sometimes, sacrifices lead you to sins and you never know them

(Affu)

Its not always you get benefits for sacrificing something. Its not always making someone happy while sacrificing something close to your heart. Sometimes, you tend to make mistakes or even sins just with your sacrifices.

Our Nest

Manvik: Macaronic Abditive Narquois Ignavia Kraken- Such an interesting topic it is.

Karthik and Prathik who were busy in thinking something got alert and stared at Manvik weirdly.

Prathik: E..x..cuse me?

Manvik: Is that a word? I've never heard.

Karthik: Well, I haven't even heard any of those words that you just used.

Manvik: I was just saying 'Manik'.

Prathik: When did you even say 'Manik'?

Manvik: Just now. MANIK. Macaronic Abditive Narquois Ignavia Kraken. Take only the first letter of these words, it forms 'MANIK'.

Karthik (raged): Manvik Malhotra! You better stop talking like that.

Manvik: Arey, I just needed some different meaning for his name. Manik, when I googled it, the meaning came GEM but I don't think he showed any such a thing which will make him a gem. So, I searched with the meaning of those 5 words. Macaronic means muddled, he's got a muddled personality. Abditive means secret, he's a lot secretive person. Narquois means mocking, he mocks a lot, like every minute a mockery grin is plastered on his face whenever he talks to me. Ignavia means laziness, he's lazy that's why he took us with him today morning or else why would a businessman like him do any such a thing! Kraken means a legendary sea monster- er..his height and those glares he gives, it proves he's a monster.

Prathik: Oh guess what, just add Vile in between Narquois and Ignavia, it becomes 'MANVIK'. You're of no worth, so it suits you better than 'Manvik' which actually means 'intelligent', unfortunately.

Manvik (yelled): You imbecile..

Karthik: Shut up! Just shut up, one more word and I'll call the ambulance to take you both to mental asylum.

Manvik and Prathik pouted at him but he didn't budge.

Manvik/Prathik: Alright, big brother!

Karthik: Good, now coming back to the topic..

And he opened his laptop where the others read "Malhotra Heights".

Manvik: We've already read this, Karthik.

Karthik: I know that! But, I've marked something important in it.

And he scrolled down to show what he found important in the entire essay on 'Malhotra Heights'

Prathik: Raj Malhotra's son Manik Malhotra is unmarried and we predict that he's still in love with his ex-fiance!!

This halted the boys' chirpiness and the only thing that they remembered was the entwined fingers of their mother and Manik Malhotra.

Manvik: Ex-fiance!!

Karthik: Exactly! He was engaged. This isn't a rumor. After having a glance at this line, I researched about his love life and got to read in every article that he was engaged but it was broken due to some personal issues which wasn't even known to the world.

Manvik: But, all these news are new!

Karthik and Prathik looked back at Manvik who was reading something in the laptop.

Manvik: Look! The newspaper or articles where it was written that Manik Malhotra was engaged, was published within last 5 years. And..as per the knowledge, its the same period where he started to work as the C.E.O of Malhotra Heights. Nothing related to him before 5 years back is given in any articles based on him. It was just an information given by Manik Malhotra himself in his interviews that he was engaged but never married when he was asked about his marital status, nothing else. He refused to share anything regarding his ex-fiance.

Karthik/Prathik: Why?

Manvik: Exactly, why? Why there are no news about his fiance? Why he refused to speak about her if he's still in love with her that he couldn't even marry someone else?!

The boys stared at each other in confusion and dilemma. Dilemma on what to believe! Their heart which pulls them towards that man or their mind which pulls them back to the reality that he's nowhere related to their mother!

Prathik: Why didn't Mamma feel uncomfortable around him when he held her hand in the car?!

He reclined to his chair and got lost in thoughts.

Karthik: I..I can't come to a conclusion. Who is he to us that we're even spoiling our sleep just to get to know him?!

Manvik: He should be hunted down. We need to search more about him and for that..we have only one way..

They looked at each other before smirking..

Boys: Alishka Cabir Dhawan!!

"Why me?" they heard that same person's voice making them to slap their heads.

Prathik: You don't get to sleep or what, Ashu?

Alishka walked towards them with her sleepy eyes and laid beside Manvik on his chair and rested her head on his shoulder making him chuckle.

Alishka: Because, I knew when you guys are up in the midnight, then its no good for the world and Alishka Dhawan is no good for the world, either!

They chuckled hearing her.

Karthik: Drama queen!

Alishka: Stop praising me and tell me the topic!

Boys: Manik Malhotra!

Hearing her beloved Mamu's name, her sleep flew away and she fluttered her eyes wide open.

Alishka: What about him?!

What followed next was a secret between the little pranksters cum DANGER!!

On the other side,

Abhimanyu was standing at the edge of the terrace with his hands dug in his trouser's pockets, lost in thoughts!

The same thoughts which were filled in his brain by his wife!

"What is it, Abhi?" someone asked from behind making him to turn around.

Abhimanyu: I thought, you would decline to meet me.

Person: Why would I! It never happened!

Abhimanyu: Because, we're not in India, Maasi, but at Cabir's place.

Nyonika stood beside him facing the night sky of Paris which were filled with stars.

Nyonika: I don't care, because I know if at all my son calls for me in the midnight, its supposed to be important for my family and you know, you're no less than a son for me.

She turned to look at him to see him smiling at her faintly. She was always a motherly figure for him too!

Nyonika: Bath kya hai, Abhi?

Abhimanyu (sighed): Its complicated. I don't even know how do I say it! You..you won't even believe me, you might say that I'm just supporting my sister!

Nyonika: Sister? You mean..Nandini?

Abhimanyu (smiled sadly): You know, she was always like a sister to me!

Nyonika (smiled): I do!

Abhimanyu: Pehle kabhi socha nahi tha aisa, even I thought she has moved on par jaise Mukti se sunn liya..wo sab..I..I don't know, Maasi. What if she's right?

Nyonika (frowned): Teek se bolo, Abhi!

Abhimanyu (exasperated): What if they're Manik's?

Nyonika stared at Abhimanyu in surprise and confusion on what he saying!

Abhimanyu: What if..Nandini's sons..are Manik's too?

And that was the moment when Nyonika felt that her breathe could get struck in her throat.

Nyonika: You too felt it?

That was more like a whisper but Abhimanyu did hear it and he snapped his head at her in shock.

Abhimanyu: I too? You..you mean, you felt the..same?

Nyonika nodded with a sigh and took a deep breathe while Abhimanyu stepped back in horror. A mother's instinct can never be wrong, maybe Mukti can be wrong, he himself can be wrong because they're just siblings or friends but Nyonika is Manik's mother, she can recognize her son's blood, even if the world can't!

Abhimanyu: That means..?

Nyonika: Mujhe nahi patha, Abhi. Jaise ki tumhe lag raha hai, jaise Mukti ko lag rahi hai, even I feel like they're..my son's. Manik ka gussa, wo possessiveness..sab kuch hai unn theeno mein aur..

She turned to face him and he could see the vulnerability in her eyes.

Nyonika: When I looked into Karthik's eyes on our first day in this house, I could see Manik in him. Wahi aankhen jo hamesha mere pyar keliye mere peeche bhagthe the par mein..

She looked away while controlling her tears and he stepped ahead to hold her hand.

Abhimanyu: You've always been a wonderful mother to all of us, Maasi. Don't blame yourself, its just, Manik took time to accept your profession.

She smiled faintly, no matter how much Manik denies it, she knew, somewhere down the line, she has failed to be a good mother to her kids. On seeing Nandini's love and warmth for her kids made Nyonika realize that a mother should always search for the time to give her love to her kids!

Nyonika: What should we do, now, Abhi?

She diverted the topic and like always, he obeyed it.

Abhimanyu: Maybe, Navya could help.

Nyonika shook her head in denial.

Nyonika: She won't. She has promised her father that she'll go by her husband's words, don't you remember it?

Abhimanyu (sighed): I do. But, that doesn't mean she will forget Manik. You know how much she loves him.

Nyonika: I know. But her respect for her father is much more, Abhi. She would never tell us if at all we ask her about Nandini's sons' father.

Abhimanyu (frustrated): The, what? I can't see my friend drowning in pain anymore, Maasi. Don't know why, but I can see a ray of hope now. A ray of hope for his happiness.

Nyonika (smiled): Maybe, we do have a hope.

He looked at her perplexed.

Nyonika: Navya wouldn't open her mouth but Alishka would! I know I'm taking advantage of my granddaughter's innocence but I want to be selfish here because I never got to be it for my son.

Abhimanyu's face lit up and he smiled instantly.

Abhimanyu: Getting help from a child to unfold the truth isn't called taking advantage of her innocence, Maasi! We're just in search of Manik's happiness and maybe, its Alishka's responsibility just like how its Naila's responsibility to bring light in his life.

Nyonika smiled back at him and this time, they joined their hands to bring that ray of light in all of their lives not to sacrifice anything for anyone.

Next Day

Nandini: When are you getting done with your practices?

She asked while plating food for her sons and Alishka.

Karthik: Not so soon, Mamma!

Nandini (frowned): Weren't you supposed to get done with your practices a little early? You never practiced this hard?

Manvik: Because, this time, its going to be harder.

Nandini: Why so?

Prathik: Patience naam ke ek cheese hain, Mamma!

Nandini giggled hearing him.

Nandini: Cheese nahi cheez kehna hain!

Prathik (shrugged it off): Whatever!

Alishka: Nope! She said cheez not 'whatever'.

Prathik (glared): Shut up!

Alishka: Why would I? I didn't take my mouth on rent from you!

Nandini shook her head at them.

Nandini: Acha Ashu.

Alishka: Yup Bua!

Nandini: Naila kaha hai?

Prathik (furrowed his eyebrows): When did you start to talk about that little devil?

Nandini (glared): Prathik, language! Don't speak like that about such a sweet girl!

Manvik (rolled his eyes): Everyone seems so sweet to you, even if they steal your 10 k.g. gold, you would say the same.

Nandini: I don't wear gold ornaments!

Manvik: It was meant for a sarcastic comment.

Nandini: Whatever!

She flipped her hair backwards making the boys to huff at her and Alishka to giggle.

Nandini: Ashu, bring Naila along. You said she's also going to the same school where you guys go.

Karthik: Mamma! Stop with your pampering!

Alishka (mischievously): Jealous much, eh?!

Boys: Shut up!

"Hey beautiful!" someone said from behind making Nandini and kids to snap their heads at the person.

Nandini (smiled): Good morning, Naila!

Naila walked towards Alishka and settled beside her.

Prathik: Was that so called endearment for our Mamma?

Naila: Yeah! Any problem?

Manvik (pissed): Of course! Why would you call that when you know her name?

Naila: Because, I don't know what else to call her. Do you have a problem, Miss beautiful?

Nandini awed at Naila's puppy eyes and she immediately nodded in No..

Nandini: Of course not, Naila.

"Nilu.." Manik walked down the stairs and his gaze fell on the kids and Nandini.

Naila: Yaha hai Mamu!

Manik walked towards them and Nandini looked down while the boys were looking at him and then at each other.

Manik: You're ready? Abhi won't be here today so I'm dropping you to your school.

Naila (pouted): But, where did Daddy go?

Manik (smiled): He has some work, Naila. Warna tumhe chodke kyun jayega!

Naila (grumpily): I'm not talking to him for two days!

Manik (smirked): Yeah yeah! Let's see that!

Nandini watched the duo silently with admiration in her eyes and then settled opposite to her sons while Alishka turned towards Manik.

Alishka: Mamu..!

Manik looked at Alishka and smiled widely before pecking her cheeks which irked the boys. Sharing is not at all in their character!

Alishka: Mamu, join us. We're having breakfast together.

Manik: Um..no. Nobody is at home, today. I'll be having from out.

Navya: Wo tho hain, patha nahi kya hua aaj ki sab baahar hain. Mom aur Muku bhi bahar gaye.

Navya walked towards them and Manik took her for a hug before she settled beside Nandini, towards her right.

Navya: Bhai, let them rot in hell. We'll have food together.

Manik and Nandini chuckled hearing her. Navya never bothered about anyone when it comes to having meals with family. If someone is missing, she says its the person's fault to miss it not her's so they should continue with their meals.

Manik was about to sit beside Naila when Navya poked in again.

Navya: Bhai, why are you gonna sit at the edge. Sit beside Nandini.

Nandini dropped the spoon in her plate and the boys snapped their heads at Navya in shock while the little girls were busy in talking within themselves and Manik stood there rooted.

Manik: Um..no. I'm fine, here.

Navya: Tch Bhai, don't nag without any reason. I won't be able to serve for you if you sit far across me.

Without having any choice, Manik settled beside Nandini and she shifted uncomfortably on her seat seeing her sons' murderous gazes for Manik.

Navya: Nandu, ye zara Bhai ko serve karna.

Nandini stared at Navya in shock who had a casual expression on her face.

Karthik (pissed): Maami, give it to me. I'll pass it to him.

Navya: You're sitting opposite to Bhai while Nandu is siting beside him so she's more closerrr to him. Nandu..

Nandini took the jug of coffee from Navya, and poured it in Manik's cup and he got lost in their memories. It was always Nandini who plates him food whenever she's around him and Navya smiled seeing the scene as its the same scene which she wanted to see happening since the past 10 years.

Like this, she made Nandini to plate him whatever he wanted.

Manvik (sarcastically): Looks like, Maami should have settled beside Mr. Malhotra, she couldn't serve him anything.

Navya chuckled inwardly.

Navya: Its okay na, kya farak padtha hai, mein ya Nandini!

Karthik: Wow! I didn't know that Mr. Malhotra had same feelings for you both, his beloved sisters!

Manik/Nandini: What!!

Navya giggled silently on hearing it.

Manik (seethed): What the heck is wrong with you boys?!

Prathik: What wrong did he say? He said what Maami meant, there's no difference between her and Mamma for you, Maami is your sister, after all.

Nandini dug her head down on not able to hear her own sons calling their parents siblings!

Manik: Listen you, your Mamma isn't a sister to me.

Boys: Why so?

Manik was about to lash out when Nandini held his hand under the table halting his movements.

Nandini: Only 10 more minutes, finish it up or else...grounded for a month!

She furrowed her eyebrows at the boys with a displeased look on her face making them to widen their eyes. Soon, she left his hand making him to take it in a fist.

Alishka (excitedly): Wow! I would get to see my good for nothing brothers sulking for a month. That's going to be fun!

Boys: Shut up!

Alishka: Should I repeat my previous reply?!

Karthik: Ugh..!! Maami!!

Navya (sighed): Ashu! Don't speak like that! They're your brothers.

Alishka (pouted): Bua!

Nandini: Bhabi, its fine. Wo bachi hai na. Karti, stop complaining about her to Bhabi.

Karthik glared at Alishka who was grinning at him in victory while Manik watched everything with a smile on his face. He so wish this family to be his!

Prathik: Mamma, we'll go with the driver, today.

Prathik spoke once they were done with their breakfast.

Nandini: Why? I used to drop you everyday, tho phir achanak aaj kya hua?

Manvik: Arey, Big Naanu asked you to be in Murthy Enterprises, right?

Nandini: Haa tho kya hua! Its not the first time he's asking me to join him. I can manage.

Karthik: No, you can't! Listen to us, Mamma. Its something related to the new venture, right, so just be on time, you can come to pick us up from school.

She sighed in defeat!

Navya: Ismein tho tumpe gaye hain. Stubborn much!

Nandini glared at Navya, who was giggling. Maybe, they haven't realized it yet, but they're becoming their old selves.

Nandini: Fine! Go ahead with the Peter.

Peter was their driver!

She bent to their level and cupped their cheeks.

Nandini: Don't think like Mamma doesn't have time for you, okay?!

They smiled at her before kissing her cheeks.

Prathik: You always had time for us, Mamma, its us who's asking you to give time to yourself.

She smiled before pecking their foreheads.

Nandini: Chalo, school keliye late ho raha hai na.

They nodded at her and turned to go when a voice stopped them making them to smirk.

"I'll drop them." they turned to the voice.

Navya (hid her smile): Bhai, its fine. Peter would drop them.

Manik: Navya, I'm taking Naila with me to the same school where they'r going so, what's the big deal in it?

Karthik: Its fine, Mr. Malhotra. We can manage by ourselves.

Manik gave him an annoyed look who had a bored look on his face.

Alishka: Offo Bhai! Let it be na, you just need to get to school. Mamu, we'll come with you.

She smiled sweetly at Manik, who returned the favor.

Prathik: Ashu..

Manik (smirked): Its decided! I thought, you can do anything for your sister.

Manvik: Mamma!

The boys turned to Nandini, who was looking at Manik as well as them.

Nandini: Er..

Manik: Is there a problem, Miss D?

He raised his eyebrows at her and she rolled her eyes at his dominance over her. She turned to her sons and blinked her eyes in assurance making them to groan.

Or..a fake groan!

Prathik: Fine!

Manik smirked in victory.

Manik: Cool! Let's leave!

He walked out not before giving a smirk towards Nandini and the kids followed him.

Navya: He still has that effect on you!

She muttered without looking at Nandini and walked away.

Nandini: He never lost it, Bhabi!

She muttered to herself with a sad smile on her lips before walking out after consoling herself.

Manik's car

Manik was driving while Naila and Alishka being so tiny sat in the passenger seat together-perks of being a lot pampered!

While the boys sat at the back seat.

Manvik: She's been talking like her mouth isn't open for ages.

He rolled his eyes at his sister followed by his brothers.

Karthik: I know right! I mean, she literally forgot our plan.

Prathik: We need to do something to distract them.

The rest two nodded at him.

Prathik: Er..Mr. Malhotra!

Manik, who was lost in deep thoughts got back to Prathik but he had a displeased expression on his face. 'Mr. Malhotra' doesn't seem so well to him.

Manik: Yes?

Prathik: Could you just push the button over there?

Manik followed Prathik's finger and gave a disbelief look to him.

Manik (sarcastically): I hope you know, that button is used to hear the radio.

Prathik (casually): Oh, so..you didn't know? Because, I knew it, that's why I asked you to push it so that we can hear something from the radio.

Manik shook his head and did as per Prathik wished to.

RJ: WORLD SERIES OF BOXING is finally going to get start from 2nd of next month. Wohoo!!

On hearing this statement, two pairs of eyes lit up in joy.

"Oh my God, really?!!" it was Manik and Prathik who spoke together and they both looked at each other.

Manik/Prathik: You like boxing?

Prathik: Heck, I love boxing!

Manik (excitedly): Seriously! Gimme a five, then!

And they did a high five in joy on realizing that they have a partner in each other.

Karthik (sighed): Don't tell me you're crazy for boxing!

Manik: Of course, I'm. And this time, its going to be in Paris. I'm so gonna go for watching.

Alishka (pity face): Poor Bua! Before, she had to bear only Prathik Bhai and shout at him for lowering his volume down whenever he sits for watching those boxing shows, but now, she has got one more in her son's team!

Prathik ignored her and started to listen to what RJ has to say making the boys to sulk. Their plan got ignored again!

While, Manik suddenly realized the entire scenario.

Prathik loves boxing!

Just like..how he loves it!

Damn those feelings! He's back again to his thoughts!

When is he gonna find answers to his questions!!

He doesn't have any idea! Maybe, destiny has something stored for him..or for them!!

To be continued